C.H. Brainard
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co. C.H. BRAINARD, who carries on farming on section 1, township 10, range 5 west, of Henderson County, claims Connecticut as the State of his nativity, his birth having there occurred on the 1st of May, 1832. His father, Asa Brainard, was born and reared in Connecticut, and after attaining to man's estate married Almira Lynn. They became the parents of several children, and our subject is the only one now living. In 1834, they emigrated westward with their family, and on reaching Henderson Count, Ill., made a location. They were among its earliest pioneers, and in true pioneer style they began life in the West. Their home was located on the farm where our subject now resides, and there the father carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred about 1840. C. H. Brainard was only eight years of age at that time, and was only two years old when he became a resident of this community. With the family he shared in all the trials and hardships of pioneer life, and with the history of this locality he has been familiar since an early day. When quite young he began work in the fields, and aided in farm labor until 1850, when he made a trip to California. The journey was made across the plains with ox-teams, and on reaching his destination he engaged in mining. The return trip was made in 1852, at which time he rode a mule across the country from Sacramento to his home in Illinois. He then remained in Henderson County until 1857, when he again went to the West for his health, spending ten years on the Pacific Slope. He met with good success in his mining operations in California, and saved considerable money, so that on his return he was enabled to purchase a good farm. In April, 1875, Mr. Brainard was united in marriage with Miss Minerva Applebey, who spent her maidenhood days in this locality. Her mother is now living in Gladstone. Three children graced their union, Almira E., Ariel C. and William H. >Mr. Brainard has followed farming throughout his entire life with the exception of the years spent in California. Thoroughly understanding his business in all its details, it has proved to him a profitable enterprise, and his industry, perseverance and good management have secured for him a comfortable home. From 1877 until 1881, he served as School Director, and the cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend. Few men have longer resided in Henderson County than Mr. Brainard, whose residence here practically covers a period of sixty years. He has therefore witnessed almost its entire growth and development, and in the work of advancement and progress he has ever borne his part. All worthy enterprises receive his hearty support, and the best interests of the community find in him a friend. |